_And it came to pass in Iconium._
ICONIUM
A considerable city of Asia Minor, generally considered as belonging
to Lycaonia. It lay in a fertile plain at the foot of Taurus, on the
great line of communication between Ephesus and the more eastern
cities of Tarsus and Antioch, and the Euphrates. From... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_But the multitude of the city was divided._
THE EFFECTS OF THE GOSPEL
I. Division. “Behold I come not to cause peace, but division.” So
said the Master; so felt the disciples.
1. The gospel causes division in--
(1) The man himself--between inclination and conviction; interest and
conscience; in... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_And there sat a certain man at Lystra._
PAUL AND BARNABAS IN LYSTRA
I. The incident.
1. The case of the cripple resembles that of the man at the gate
Beautiful; and a particular statement of it is given, to show the
reality and the greatness of the miracle. It was not an incidental,
but a radical... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_The same heard Paul speak: who … perceiving that he had faith to be
healed, said … Stand upright._
FAITH TO BE HEALED
I. What preceded his faith? Faith cometh by hearing; but the bearing
of what? The gospel (Actes 14:7). Yes, he declared to these ignorant,
superstitious fanatics the very same tru... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men._
THE THEOLOGY OF HEATHENDOM
In the words and acts of these heathen Lystrians, there comes out the
native theology of human hearts everywhere and in all conditions.
There are three great theological beliefs involved in their conduct:
I. That t... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_Sirs, why do ye these things?_
APOSTOLIC SINCERITY
In a position similar to that of Herod, they act in an opposite manner
(Actes 12:22). And yet there was no small temptation in the matter.
They might think this idolatrous prejudice must be excused: there is a
spark of truth in it; the esteem for... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_And there came thither certain Jews … Who persuaded the people,
and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city._
THE FICKLENESS OF THE LYSTRIANS
It would not be difficult to find a parallel to this among modern
converts, and it is easy to account for it. The Jews would be ready
with another in... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_We must through much tribulation enter the kingdom of God._
CONTINUANCE IN THE FAITH
I. The disciples had been but newly converted to the faith, and they
required to be established through grace. They were very likely to
have been discouraged by the sufferings of the apostles, their
instructors in... [ Continuer la lecture ]
_And thence sailed to Antioch … And when they were come, and had
gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all that God had done._
APOSTLES AND CRUSADERS AT ANTIOCH: A HISTORICAL CONTRAST
If when we contrast the voyage of Paul and Barnabas across the bay of
Attalia with the voyage of those who s... [ Continuer la lecture ]